SantaCon

This will be the second year for the Santa-themed barhop in Lowertown, St. Paul. And while milk and cookies add to that big Santa belly, it's the nightcaps that help make his cheeks rosy and his laugh grand. So throw on that Santa costume (and perhaps some long underwear as well if it's a chilly night) and hit the streets with like-minded Kris Kringles. Though the event is named after the jolliest man of them all, partiers can also come as elves, reindeer, Hanukkah items, or other holiday-themed characters. The more creative the costume, the better (zombie reindeer or space-age dreidels from the future, anyone?). The barhop begins at 5 p.m. at Señor Wong, but moves to a new location approximately every hour on the hour, with street music provided by Brass Messengers. Participating locations include the Black Dog Café, the Bulldog, Barrio, Rumors and Innuendo, and Station 4, where the Prize Fighters are scheduled to perform and Minnesota Rollergirl fans will also be partying. Drink specials will be offered throughout the night to those in costume making spirits bright, and food donations to Second Harvest Heartland will be accepted at designated bars and clubs along the way. For more info visit tilsner.net/santacon. 21+. (Photo by Nigel Parry)Sat., Dec. 19, 5 p.m., 2009